2016 OSHA Top 10 Cited Safety Violations

2016 OSHA Top 10 Cited Safety Violations

Published by Timothy G. Wiemer on 20th October 2016

Each year OSHA puts out its OSHA Top 10 Cited Safety Violations. These Top 10 Most Cited Violations are the result of all workplace safety inspections that occurred throughout the United States. This list could be used as a tool for business to help reassess their safety programs and identify opportunities for improvement. While there is no guarantee that the trends will continue on through the next year, it can serve as a guide for companies looking to improve their safety programs.

Breakdown of All 10 OSHA Cited Safety Violations

Topping the 2016 list is Fall Protection (OSHA Standards – Duty to have fall protection 29 CFR1926.501 ) which remains in the top spot for 2014, 2015, & 2016 (please see the OSHA top 10 cited safety violations graph below).

Second on the list is Hazard Communication (OSHA Standards – Hazard Communication 29 CFR 1910.1200 ) there was an increase in citations from the previous year of 485. This group deals with properly reporting/documentation of all toxic and hazardous substances either produced or imported. It goes on to instruct the process to properly have the information conveyed to employees.

The third highest citation was Scaffolds (OSHA Standards – General requirements 29 CFR 1926.451 ) there was an decrease in the number citations from the previous year of 389.

Fourth on the list is Respiratory Protection (OSHA Standards – Respiratory Protection 29 CFR 1910.134 ) This section applies to General Industry, Shipyards, Marine Terminals, Long-shoring, and Construction. Respirators are an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly selected and worn. The number of citations went up 280 from previous year.

The fifth highest citation with an increase in citations of 412 over 2015, is Lockout/Tagout (OSHA Standards – The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) 29 CFR 1910.147 ) It’s important to note that this section establishes the minimum performance requirements for the control of hazardous energy. The section address the unexpected energizing/startup of equipment or machines and/or release of stored energy. Not following these rules could result in the injury of employees.

OSHA Top 10 Cited Safety Violations for 2014, 2015, and 2016

Top 10 OSHA Cited Safety Violations (continued)

The sixth spot which has remained constant for the last 3 years is Powered Industrial Trucks (PITS) (OSHA Standards – Powered Industrial Trucks 29 CFR 1910.178 ) There was a decrease from 2015 of 2,760 down to 2,680 in 2016 citations. Hopefully this trend will continue on in the coming years.

The seventh highest citation on the list is Ladders (OSHA Standards – Ladders 29 CFR 1926.1053 ) The following requirements apply to all ladders as indicated, including job-made ladders. The number of citations went up from 2,489 in 2015 to 2,639.

Eighth on the list is Machine Guarding (OSHA Standards – General requirements for all machines 29 CFR 1910.212 ) There was an increase from 2015 of 156 additional citations. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, in going nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks. Examples of guarding methods are-barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices,electronic safety devices, etc.

The ninth highest citation on the list is Electrical Wiring (OSHA Standards – Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use 29 CFR 1910.305 ) The provisions of this section do not apply to conductors that are an integral part of factory-assembled equipment. There was an decrease in the number citations from the previous year of 464.

Tenth on the list is Electrical, General Requirements (OSHA Standards – General 29 CFR 1910.303 ) This section focuses on the proper installation and use of electrical conductors and equipment.The conductors and equipment required or permitted by this sub-part shall be acceptable only if approved, as defined in Sec. 1910.399. These too saw a decrease in the number citations from the previous year of 269.